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WARREN -- When 51-year-old Air Force veteran Yolanda Driver was arrested, she knew then and there she needed to make a change in her life.
On Tuesday, the mother of five graduated from the Veterans Assistance Program (VAP) in the presence of her loved ones several months after being recommended for the program.
"Entering into the program was the best thing that could've happened to me," Driver said. "Even though I was taking steps to stop my life from spiraling out of control, it helped me regroup to really get back on track."
She was so dedicated to making a change that Driver said she had sought counseling even before her time in the program began.
THE PROGRAM
The program was established by Trumbull County Probate Judge James Fredericka, who started the VAP in 2015 to help veterans charged with nonviolent, misdemeanor criminal offenses address the underlying issues that put them in handcuffs.
"I wanted our court to serve those who have served us and be involved with veterans. It took a lot of folks to get this program established, but we had cooperation from congressmen, county commissioners office, all of the county and municipal judges before the Ohio Supreme Court approved our program," Fredericka said.
A veteran entering the criminal justice system can be referred by participating courts and judges who determine whether to defer the veteran defendant to the VAP. Participants have three court days to then contact the program to establish a screening and assessment.
Fredericka said those eligible then will be set up with the treatment team consisting of local agencies that offer a multitude of support services for veteran defendants to use.
"A treatment plan then is devised by them for the veterans particular programs. Because of their background and training, they (vets) are particularly favorable to successfully complete the program," Fredericka said.
The probate court judge said cases like Driver's exemplify the resilience of veterans.
"She had the discipline, the attention to detail, the things that are necessary for someone to have a second chance to be a productive citizen. She's one of many examples to the program's success," Fredericka said.
Veteran participants are paired with their own volunteer mentors who also are veterans or active service members donating their time to help their fellow brothers and sisters in arms. That mentor provides support and guidance to their veteran as they work their way through the program.
Driver told the court that she plans to keep in touch with her mentor-turned-lifelong friend, who is an active service member but was unable to attend the ceremony Tuesday.
"She's met my family.We meet every week to go out to eat. When I call it doesn't matter the time. It's emotional for me, but she understands me and doesn't judge. We're from different backgrounds, different cities but we have something in common in the military so this won't be the end for us," Driver said.
In fact, Driver said she's considering taking things a step further and is considering becoming a mentor herself. But in the short term, Driver said she continues her counseling and is working toward opening her own clothing store.
Upon completion of the program, defendants like Driver will appear back in the original court where charges were filed for the judge to make a determination on their case.
The program, Fredericka said, was made possible by a number of organizations, including Veteran Services Commission, the Warren Veterans Affairs Clinic, the Mental Health and Recovery Board, the 910th Airlift Wing at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station and help from Camp James A. Garfield.
"All of the people that helped form this program shows that it takes a lot of people working together to change people's lives," Fredericka said.
Helping our veterans
Courts who participate in the Veterans Assistance Program include:
• Girard Municipal Court -- Judge Jeffrey D. Adler
• Newton Falls Municipal Court -- Judge Philip M. Vigorito
• Niles Municipal Court -- Judge Christopher J. Shaker
• Trumbull County Eastern District Court -- Judge Marty D. Nosich
• Trumbull County Central District Court -- Judge Thomas A. Campbell
• Warren Municipal Court -- Judges Thomas P. Gysegem and Terry F. Ivanchak